Guest Editorial: The sustainability challenge: measurement to reduce global emissions

This paper aims to propose a model for building performance, based on control of fabric and services, and the influence of occupant behaviour. This work also demonstrates where significant change has been achieved through the processes of testing, measurement and monitoring. Modern Man’s impact on the Ecosystem, sustainability and the built environment’s contribution to global emissions are highlighted. The review provides a specific focus on the thermal performance of buildings and work undertaken to recognise and reduce wasted heat energy. Drawing on current research, data on buildings achieving enhanced levels of energy efficiency are presented and underperformance are discussed. While it is clear that domestic properties can perform, the pressure from legislation has been limited and significant gaps in thermal building performance continue.

Drawing on a number of current research projects, this paper identifies the emergent methods for testing buildings and assessing fabric energy efficiency.

The research identifies methods suitable for understanding and assessing building fabric performance. Using established methods, the performance metrics identify a significant difference between those achieving the energy efficiency standards and those failing to meet their designed performance.

Highlighting the issue of sustainability is commonplace, but few have identified practical process measures that differentiate innovation that can lead to significant improvements in the building stock and identify those failing to achieve target performance.